Scanning documents with your iPhone has never been easier. With just a few taps on the Notes app, you can create digital copies of your important papers. All you need to do is open a new note, tap the camera icon, and select “Scan Documents.” Position your iPhone over the document, and the app automatically captures it. You can adjust the corners, save it, and send it wherever you need.
Step-by-Step Guide: Scanning on iPhone with the Notes App
Before diving into the steps, know that this process will turn any physical document into a digital file using just your iPhone. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Open the Notes App
Start by opening the Notes app on your iPhone.
This app comes pre-installed on all iPhones, so you don’t need to download anything extra. Look for the app with a yellow-and-white icon.
Step 2: Create a New Note
Tap the icon to create a new note.
This is usually a pencil-and-paper icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen. This will open a blank note for your scanned document.
Step 3: Tap the Camera Icon
Find and tap the camera icon within your new note.
The camera icon is located above the keyboard, often at the bottom center of the screen. It opens a menu with several options.
Step 4: Select “Scan Documents”
Choose “Scan Documents” from the menu that appears.
This option activates your iPhone’s camera in scanning mode, ready to capture your document.
Step 5: Capture the Document
Position your iPhone over the document and let the app automatically capture it.
The app will highlight the document’s edges, and when it locks onto them, it will automatically take a picture. You can also tap the shutter button if needed.
Step 6: Adjust and Save
Adjust the corners if necessary, then save your scan.
After capturing, you can drag the corners to ensure everything is perfectly aligned. Once satisfied, tap “Keep Scan,” and then “Save.”
Once you’ve completed these steps, your scanned document will be saved within the note. From there, you can share it via email, messages, or any other preferred method.
Tips for Scanning on iPhone with the Notes App
- Make sure your document is well-lit to avoid shadows and unclear text.
- Keep your iPhone steady while scanning to improve image clarity.
- If needed, scan multiple pages by adding additional scans within the same note.
- Use the “Filters” option to enhance text readability.
- Organize your scans by creating folders within the Notes app.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I share my scanned document?
You can share it by tapping the share icon and selecting your preferred method, like email or AirDrop.
Can I scan in color?
Yes, the Notes app allows you to scan in color, grayscale, or black and white.
What if the edges are not perfectly aligned?
After scanning, you can manually adjust the corners before saving the scan.
Is there a limit to the number of pages I can scan?
You can scan as many pages as you like within a single note.
Can I edit the scanned document later?
Yes, you can go back and adjust or add to your scans at any time within the note.
Summary of Steps
- Open the Notes app.
- Create a new note.
- Tap the camera icon.
- Select “Scan Documents.”
- Capture the document.
- Adjust and save.
Conclusion
Scanning documents on your iPhone with the Notes app is a breeze once you know the steps. This handy feature transforms your device into a portable scanner, making document handling more efficient and environmentally friendly. Whether you’re digitizing receipts, contracts, or personal notes, the process is quick and seamless.
By following the outlined steps, you can ensure that your scans are clear and ready to share or store. The convenience of having all your important papers in digital form cannot be overstated. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
If you haven’t tried scanning on your iPhone yet, give it a shot. It’s one of those small but mighty tools that can significantly improve your day-to-day productivity. Happy scanning!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.